The Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says 315 people — including 303 students and 12 teachers — were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwarra LGA.
Gunmen carried out the abduction after attacking the school
in the wee hours of November 21.
CAN had initially given the number of abductees as 227 —
comprising “215 pupils and students, including 12 teachers”.
However, in a fresh statement, Bulus Yohanna, CAN chairman
and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said a verification exercise and
final census showed the figures of missing persons are much higher.
“After leaving the school, we made calls and enquiries on
those we initially thought had escaped, only to discover that 88 more students
were captured after trying to flee,” he said.
The school has a total of 629 pupils and students — 430 in
primary and 199 in secondary school.
In a statement issued by Daniel Atori, spokesperson to
Yohanna, the priest dismissed claims that the school received prior warnings
from the government or security agencies, describing the reports as
“propaganda” aimed at shifting blame.
“We did not receive any circular or warning. In 2022, when
there were rumours of security challenges, we shut down immediately without
waiting for any government directive,” he said.
He also refuted allegations that reverend sisters travelled
to Abuja regarding the incident, demanding proof of such claims.
The bishop assured parents and the public that CAN is
working closely with government and security agencies to secure the safe
release of all abductees.
“We call on everyone to remain calm and prayerful as we
continue to collaborate with all relevant authorities for a quick and safe
return of our children and teachers,” he added.
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